KUALA LUMPUR – The government has been urged not to rush the tabling of the proposed Gig Workers Bill, with six associations representing p-hailing and e-hailing riders warning that the draft remains incomplete and could have unintended consequences if pushed through hastily.
In a joint statement, the associations said a comprehensive reform plan was needed to address the root issues of the industry rather than introducing what they described as a “half-baked” law.
The groups – representing riders in Johor, Melaka, Kedah, Perak and Sabah – stressed they were among the first to support the initiative, but cautioned that legislation must not end up burdening gig workers themselves.
“It is immature to brand critics as traitors simply because their feedback does not align with certain expectations. Our responses are critical and analytical, not blind or emotional,” the statement read.
Their comments followed remarks by the Malaysian eHailing Coalition (GEM), which yesterday labelled opposition to the Bill a betrayal of gig workers who contribute daily to the digital economy.
GEM activist Jose Rizal argued the law was needed to protect workers from long-standing issues such as unstable income, lack of social security and systemic exploitation.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim announced last week that the draft Bill would be tabled in Parliament soon, following nearly 40 engagement sessions.
But the six associations said branding critics as “traitors” was unhelpful and unprofessional, adding that genuine scrutiny was necessary to ensure a fair law.
They also questioned whether the Bill would overlap with the responsibilities of other ministries, noting that e-hailing and p-hailing are already regulated by the transport and communications ministries.
Any new framework, they said, must be coordinated to avoid duplication and confusion, particularly over complaints mechanisms.
The groups further raised concerns over fare structures and pay rates, asking whether the Ministry of Human Resources intended to take over powers currently held by the Ministry of Transport.
“Previous governments introduced voluntary contributions to Perkeso and i-Saraan under EPF. The new Bill risks adding layers of bureaucracy and contradicting the flexible approach already in place, creating policy confusion,” they said.
While reiterating support for the ministry’s efforts, the associations called for clarity on overlapping jurisdictions, a fair dispute-resolution system, and solutions on fares and wages before introducing new mandatory contributions.
They said any pre-legislative debate should be open and inclusive, involving genuine gig workers.
“Social protection is important, but it must be progressive, voluntary and aligned with the realities of the sector,” the statement added. – August 23, 2025